Danny Ings, Luke Shaw In, Mitrovic Out: Newcastle’s Ideal Transfer Window Explored With A Limited Budget

Ideal January Transfer Window For Newcastle United With A Limited Budget

Newcastle United made a promising start to the current season but lately, their growth has been stunted massively. Once seen as a contender for a top-6 spot, Rafa Benitez’s men now find themselves in the 15th spot. They are edging dangerously close to the relegation zone and the upcoming January window will be a good time to sort out the many issues in the team. They have a good squad but they lack depth in certain areas and have failed to show strength in the attack of late.

To make matters a bit dicier, the Magpies are currently in the middle of a takeover battle. Mike Ashley put the club up for sale sometime back and although a deal was expected to be finalised before January, there seem to be some issues that need to be ironed out with the interested parties.

Regardless of when the takeover happens, it must be noted that Benitez might have to cope with a limited budget. It certainly does not come at a good time because the need for reinforcements is quite high. However, let’s take a look at what options Benitez can explore.

Given how weak they have been in terms of goalscoring, it goes without saying that a forward will be a priority for the Magpies. Joselu and Dwight Gayle have failed to make much of an impact, hence making it necessary for Benitez to sign a new striker. A loan move for Danny Ings from Liverpool is understood to be on the cards. It does seem like an ideal deal since Ings needs playing time while Newcastle could use a talented and experienced player like him.

Another area that the Magpies need to strengthen is left-back. Achraf Lazaar left during the summer and the player is being dearly missed at St. James’ Park. Paul Dummett continues to be out with an injury and that has forced Benitez to make do with makeshift options, which have not really produced positive results. A move for Luke Shaw is believed to be brewing and if he were to join the club, Newcastle are likely to receive a massive boost.

Meanwhile, there is one area of concern Benitez needs to deal with in terms of outgoing players. Mitrovic has not started a single game in the Premier League so far and there seems to be no clarity as to whether or not he is a part of the manager’s plans going forward.

Selling him could raise some much-needed funds and if that were to happen, Benitez could actually consider signing a new goalkeeper. As of now, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are his choices but neither of them has been sturdy enough. To have a formidable presence in goal could massively benefit the club in terms of keeping a tighter defence.